Category: Colorado News

FSA and CSU Team up to Conduct CFAP Webinar
Navigating the Coronavirus Food Assistance Program and other COVID-19 Agricultural Issues

USDA Secretary Sonny Perdue announced the Coronavirus Food Assistance Program (CFAP) on April 17, 2020. CFAP will use funding and authorities provided in the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act, the Families First Coronavirus Response Act, and other USDA existing authorities. This $16 billion immediate relief program includes direct support to agricultural producers. CSU Extension and the USDA Farm Service Agency have teamed up to conduct a CFAP webinar.

The webinar will be held Monday, June 1st from 6:00pm to 8:30pm MST. Topics to be addressed are: • The mechanics of CFAP including signup procedures and required documents
- Economic Injury Disaster Loan for farmers and ranchers
- Maintaining supply chains during a pandemic
- Commodity outlook post COVID-19. Register in advance for this meeting:
https://zoom.us/meeting/register/tJwtcOGoqzsiE9R41Or-NUWVbW5D-E1Q4Dq7

After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the webinar.

The webinar is free but limited to the first 500 that register. The session will be recorded and made available to anyone who can’t attend the live webinar.

For more information, contact Brent Young at 970-580-2204 or email at.

Persons with disabilities who require accommodations to attend or participate in this meeting should contact Brandon Terrazas at 720-544-2885 or Federal Relay Service at 1-800-877-8339.

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May 28, 2020
Dinosaur National Monument Increases Recreational Access to Include Camping and River Use

Dinosaur, CO and Jensen, UT – Following guidance from the White House, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and state and local public health authorities, Dinosaur National Monument is increasing recreational access to camping and river use. The National Park Service (NPS) is working servicewide with federal, state, and local public health authorities to closely monitor the COVID-19 pandemic and using a phased approach to increase access on a park-by-park basis.

Beginning Sunday, June 7, 2020, Dinosaur will reopen access to campgrounds, backcountry, and river use:  

• River Trips including permitted daily trips through Split Mountain Canyon and multi day trips on the Green and Yampa rivers will resume. Most launch dates have already been assigned for the 2020 season. Any remaining river permits will be available on a first-come, first-served basis through Recreation.gov.

• Developed campgrounds at Split Mountain, Green River, Echo Park, Deerlodge Park, and Gates of Lodore will be open for camping and have drinking water and restrooms available. Rainbow Park Campground will also reopen, with vault toilets and no drinking water. Camping fees will be charged.

• Backcountry camping will resume, free permits are required and will be issued starting June 7. Campers need to be familiar with the monument’s backcountry regulations and know where they will enter, exit, and camp prior to requesting a permit. All backcountry permits will be issued by phone (435) 781-7700 x0 from 9:00 am and 5:00 pm. Permits will then be emailed to requester.

• All monument roads and trails are open. 

• Restrooms are available in all developed campgrounds; along the Harpers Corner Road at most scenic overlooks, and at the Canyon Visitor Center front patio in Colorado; and along the Cub Creek Road at Josie’s Cabin, Split Mountain Boat Ramp, and at the top of the Fossil Discovery Trail near the Quarry Exhibit Hall parking lot in Utah.

• Drinking water is available in all developed campgrounds except Rainbow Park; at the Canyon Visitor Center front patio in Colorado; and at the Quarry Visitor Center back patio and top of the Fossil Discovery Trail near the Quarry Exhibit Hall parking lot in Utah.

With public health in mind, the following facilities remain closed at this time:

• All monument visitor centers, and the Quarry Exhibit Hall remain closed.

• All ranger-guided programs including night sky programs are suspended until further notice.

“The camping and river recreation at Dinosaur are outstanding – I and the employees of the monument are excited that access to these spectacular places will resume,” said monument superintendent Paul Scolari. “We commend our local communities and visitors for their continuing patience as we increase access to the park in phases and thank local public health and elected officials for their support as we have navigated management of the monument through the COVID response.”

The health and safety of our visitors, employees, volunteers, and partners continues to be paramount. At Dinosaur National Monument, our operational approach will be to examine each facility function and service provided to ensure those operations comply with current public health guidance and will be regularly monitored. We continue to work closely with the NPS Office of Public Health using CDC guidance to ensure public and workspaces are safe and clean for visitors, employees, partners, and volunteers. While many areas are accessible for visitors to enjoy, a return to full operations will continue to be phased and services may be limited.

The CDC has offered guidance to help people recreating in parks and open spaces prevent the spread of infectious diseases. We will continue to monitor all park functions to ensure that visitors adhere to CDC guidance for mitigating risks associated with the transmission of COVID-19 and take any additional steps necessary to protect public health. When recreating, the public should follow local area health orders: Best practice precautions include the practice of social distancing, avoiding crowds, wearing face coverings if appropriate, and avoiding high-risk outdoor activities.

We will notify the public of changing conditions, access, and activities by providing updates on our website www.nps.gov/dino and social media channels @DinosaurNPS on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.

Updates about overall NPS operations will be posted on www.nps.gov/coronavirus.

www.nps.gov

About the National Park Service: More than 20,000 National Park Service employees care for America’s 419 national parks and work with communities across the nation to help preserve local history and create close-to-home recreational opportunities. Learn more at www.nps.gov.

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May 27, 2020

UI Virtual Town Halls Scheduled for Friday, May 29th

On Friday, May 29th, the Colorado Department of Labor and Employment (CDLE) will hold two UI Virtual Town Halls. Participants will be able to join online or by phone. General topics to be addressed in this week’s Town Hall include out of state wages, tips for claim filing, returning to work and eligibility, backdating and how to access online self-services. To address questions on job refusals and eligibility, a new “Return to Work” fact sheet has been added to coloradoui.gov and can be found here.

WHAT: UI Virtual Town Halls

WHEN: Friday, May 29, 2020; English at 9:15 AM; Spanish at 11:30 AM.

TO REGISTER Online at coloradoui.gov and via the registrations forms links –

English Town Hall registration here

Spanish Town Hall registration here

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May 27, 2020

Colorado Department of Natural Resources and Colorado Parks and Wildlife share Memorial Day outdoor resources

DENVER — As many of us head outdoors for the holiday, the Colorado Department of Natural Resources (DNR) and Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) want to remind Coloradans to recreate responsibly and stay close to home. DNR and CPW continue to provide resources to point Coloradans towards information on open campgrounds, trails, and best practices for recreating over Memorial Day Weekend during the COVID-19 pandemic.

“We know Coloradans love spending time outdoors and that getting outside hiking, fishing, biking with close friends and family has been an important release and diversion during COVID-19,” said Dan Gibbs, Executive Director, Colorado Department of Natural Resources. ”My Department has created some helpful resources for Coloradans as they think about weekend plans, which will most likely be different from previous Memorial Days. We hope Coloradans enjoy a needed three-day break, but remain considerate of our neighbors and communities as we navigate our outdoor activities together during this pandemic.”

“We’re proud to have kept our Colorado State Parks open throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, and to have reopened camping at nearly all of our state park campgrounds and many state wildlife areas,” said Dan Prenzlow, Director, Colorado Parks and Wildlife. “We encourage everyone to go live life outside this weekend, and if doing that brings you to one of your nearby state parks, please be safe while you’re visiting. We’re glad to get folks out on the trails, on their boats or camping with us. Please know that a few areas remain closed and you may not have access to all of the facilities you are used to. Check our website or call before you go to make your visit as enjoyable and safe as possible.”

Here are something things to think about this weekend:

Don’t plan for your typical Memorial Day weekend; being in a pandemic means recreating close to home, keeping your group size small, and maintaining social distancing.
If you do plan to travel use extra caution, minimize interactions and bring everything you need before you go.
To find out the latest on what’s open or not check out DNR”s one-stop-shop. It has connections to all Federal, Tribal, State and Local resources: Outdoor Recreation Resources | COVID-19
Planning on going for a hike or nearby mountain bike ride? Check out COTREX, Colorado’s official trails smartphone app and website. It has the latest COVID-19 related closures and can help you find nearby alternatives if your favorite trailhead is busy: trails.colorado.gov
Scored a campsite at your favorite state park? Check out Colorado Parks and Wildlife’s outdoor etiquette tips before you go.
Late planner but feel a need to camp under the stars this weekend? Go to https://www.cpwshop.com/ and see what is available.
See more good outdoor recreation and camping tips here or our Outdoor Recreation FAQ here.

Please note that many Colorado State Parks and National Forest campgrounds have limited facilities, so plan accordingly before you go. In addition, picnic areas, pavilions, playgrounds and designated swim beaches remain closed under the Governor’s Safer- at-Home order. Check out our resources to get the latest updates for an enjoyable holiday weekend. Above all else, be kind to others. Remember, we’re all in this together and we all need a bit of stress relief. Keep your distance, be courteous, and perhaps send a wave to your neighbors when you pass them on the sidewalk or trail. You never know how much they may need it!

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May 23, 2020

Colorado state park swim areas and beaches remain closed to protect public health
DENVER – With the warm weather and upcoming holiday weekend, Colorado Parks and Wildlife reminds all state park visitors that designated swim and beach areas remain closed at Colorado’s state parks to protect public health due to COVID-19.

It is important that everyone respect all posted seasonal, wildlife and COVID-19 related closures, and do their part to provide a safe and enjoyable outdoor experience. Additional areas that discourage social distancing including group picnic areas, group camping, showers and laundry facilities remain closed until further notice per Governor Polis’s Safer at Home order.

Agency officials encourage all park visitors to follow outdoor recreation best practices and recommendations provided by the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment to help prevent the community spread of COVID-19.

Until further notice designated swim and beach areas, including those that often open for the season on Memorial Day weekend, remain closed to public use at the following state parks: • Boyd Lake State Park
- Chatfield State Park
- Cherry Creek State Park
- Elkhead Reservoir State Park
- Highline Lake State Park
- James M. Robb – Island Acres
- John Martin Reservoir State Park
- Lake Pueblo State Park
- Lathrop State Park
- North Sterling State Park
- Ridgway State Park
- Stagecoach State Park
- Steamboat Lake State Park
Park managers have the discretion to close any areas that become unsafe, which may include overcrowding. Agency officials are monitoring park visitation capacities to reduce overcrowding so people can visit parks responsibly and safely.

“We want people to get out and enjoy the outdoors, but to also do so safely,” said Northeast Region Manager Mark Leslie. “We hope people enjoy and celebrate the holiday responsibly, following public health orders and leave no trace principles.”

CPW remains committed to providing outdoor recreation activities to Coloradans while also ensuring public safety guidelines are met. Visit the CPW website to discover outdoor activities that allow for safe social distancing from others. Learn more about outdoor recreation opportunities across Colorado during COVID-19.

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May 22, 2020
Colorado: Keep virus measures in mind over holiday weekend

DENVER (AP) _ Colorado health officials on Wednesday urged residents to celebrate the Memorial Day weekend responsibly by sticking to existing social distancing restrictions, wearing masks and staying in groups of 10 or fewer people to fight the coronavirus pandemic.

Colorado has reopened campgrounds and transitioned from a stay-at-home to “safer-at-home” directive that has eased restrictions on retail businesses while urging residents to limit travel. It has flattened the growth curve of the virus and guaranteed there are enough intensive care beds at hospitals to treat the sick.

But that progress can easily be undone, said Jill Hunsaker Ryan, executive director of the Department of Public Health and Environment.

Colorado, Ryan said, is “a victim of our own success” in flattening that curve. “But we are not out of the woods,” she said. “The disease can easily get away from us.”

Ryan and other top health officials said Colorado’s top priorities include keeping those hospital beds open, getting students back to school in the fall, and preventing a second wave of the coronavirus during the November-to-March flu season.

The state has allowed 14 counties to adopt more liberal restrictions than state standards and is considering more requests, Ryan said. The Colorado School of Public Health estimates nearly 3% of the state’s population has had the virus, she added.

More than 1,200 people in Colorado have died because of the virus or while having it, and more than 22,000 have tested positive, the state says.

For most people, the coronavirus causes mild or moderate symptoms, such as fever and cough that clear up in two to three weeks. For some, especially older adults and people with existing health problems, it can cause more severe illness, including pneumonia, and death.

Meanwhile, the Weld County sheriff’s office announced plans Tuesday to distance 89 inmates deemed vulnerable to COVID-19 from other inmates in the county jail following orders to do so from a federal judge.

Judge Philip Brimmer ruled earlier this month that Sheriff Steve Reams failed to take adequate measures to protect inmates and violated their Eighth Amendment rights against cruel and unusual punishment, the Greeley Tribune reported.

The ruling was in response to a lawsuit filed by the American Civil Liberties Union of Colorado on behalf of seven inmates who said they were susceptible to being infected with the coronavirus.

Medical staff screened inmates on May 13 and determined 89 were vulnerable, according to U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines.

Since the court ruling, the sheriff’s office has distanced newly admitted vulnerable inmates and vulnerable inmates already at the jail, enhanced sanitation measures, provided facial coverings and increased monitoring.

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May 21, 2020
Memorial Day DUI enforcement period kicks off Friday 323 motorists cited during same enforcement period last year

STATEWIDE — As Colorado slowly loosens stay-at-home restrictions, the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) and Colorado State Patrol (CSP) want to remind Coloradans to drive sober as Memorial Day weekend approaches. The Heat Is On high-visibility enforcement period kicks off on Friday, May 22, and ends on Tuesday, May 26.

Seventy-five law enforcement agencies will participate in the heightened enforcement campaign with increased patrols across the state. Those enjoying Memorial Day festivities away from home are encouraged to plan for a sober ride if they intend to consume alcohol or other impairing substances.

“Safety on Colorado’s roadways isn’t just CDOT’s goal – it should be a focus for every single person on the road,” said Shoshana Lew, Executive Director of CDOT. “Your safety and the safety of those around you are at stake when you drive impaired. All of us want to make it home safely, so don’t jeopardize that by driving impaired.”

During the 2019 Memorial Day weekend DUI enforcement period, law enforcement agencies arrested 323 impaired motorists. Last May alone, there were 16 impairment-related fatalities on Colorado’s roads.

The legal blood-alcohol content (BAC) limit in Colorado is 0.05 percent for driving while ability impaired (DWAI) and 0.08 percent for driving under the influence (DUI). First-time DUI offenders can be punished with up to one year in jail, license suspension and thousands of dollars in fines.

“Memorial Day is a day to remember military personnel who died while serving the country. It also tends to be associated with increased travel and alcohol consumption due to the long weekend. We want Coloradans to be safe, maintain social distancing practices, and make the decision to never drive impaired,” said Colonel Matthew Packard, Chief of the Colorado State Patrol. “Plan ahead for a sober ride if you are celebrating away from home.”

The Heat Is On will be back with its Summer Blitz DUI enforcement from June 12-22. During last year’s summer enforcement, 585 citations were given to impaired drivers with the highest arrests seen from the Colorado Springs Police Department (52), the Denver Police Department (33) and the El Paso County Sherriff’s Office (32). The summer months and holiday weekends traditionally show an increase in DUI crashes and arrests. Law enforcement is always on the lookout for impaired drivers and working to keep Colorado roads safe.

CDOT’s The Heat Is On DUI-prevention campaign is a key component of CDOT’s Whole System — Whole Safety initiative to reduce traffic injuries and deaths.

COVID–19

Safe transportation infrastructure is essential for emergency first responders and freight drivers as Colorado navigates the COVID-19 pandemic. With that in mind, road maintenance and construction continues on CDOT projects with social distancing and other health safety measures to reduce COVID-19 exposure on the worksite. The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment announced guidelines for construction activities. The public is urged to join the campaign for #DoingMyPartCO by practicing social distancing, wearing face masks, staying at home when possible, and avoiding nonessential travel. With fewer vehicles on the roads, CDOT crews will be able to work more efficiently and safely.

ABOUT THE HEAT IS ON

The CDOT Highway Safety Office provides funding to Colorado law enforcement for impaired driving enforcement, education and awareness campaigns. The Heat Is On campaign runs throughout the year, with 16 specific high-visibility impaired driving enforcement periods centered on national holidays and large public events. Enforcement periods can include sobriety checkpoints, saturation patrols and additional law enforcement on duty dedicated to impaired driving enforcement. Find more details about the campaign, including impaired driving enforcement plans, arrest totals and safety tips at HeatIsOnColorado.com.

WHOLE SYSTEM. WHOLE SAFETY.

In early 2019, CDOT announced its Whole System — Whole Safety initiative to heighten safety awareness. This initiative takes a systematic, statewide approach to safety combining the benefits of CDOT’s programs that address driving behaviors, our built environment and the organization’s operations. The goal is to improve the safety of Colorado’s transportation network by reducing the rate and severity of crashes and improving the safety of all transportation modes. The program has one simple mission—to get everyone home safely.

ABOUT CDOT

CDOT has approximately 3,000 employees located at its Denver headquarters and in regional offices throughout Colorado, and manages more than 23,000 lane miles of highway and 3,429 bridges. CDOT also manages grant partnerships with a range of other agencies, including metropolitan planning organizations, local governments and airports. It also administers Bustang, the state-owned and operated interregional express service. Gov. Polis has charged CDOT to further build on the state’s intermodal mobility options.

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May 21, 2020
COVID-19 Telephone Town Hall: The road to reopening

Join us Thursday, May 21 at 7 p.m. for our next Telephone Town Hall and get your questions answered.

Have questions about the County’s reopening plans? Need clarification on when to wear a mask and where? What’s allowable with the big weekend coming up? We’ll have representatives from County departments and Tri-County Health on hand to answer your COVID-related questions.

At the time of the event listen in by:

Calling 855-436-3656

Visiting our Facebook page

Visiting arapahoegov.com/Townhall

Questions accepted through the phone line or the Townhall web page.

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May 20, 2020
Colorado State Patrol seeking assistance finding hit and run vehicle

ADAMS COUNTY – Investigators with the Colorado State Patrol are seeking a suspect vehicle involved in a hit and run crash that sent a pedestrian to the hospital. At approximately 5:27 AM on Sunday, May 17th, a 61 year old male from Arvada was crossing in the south crosswalk walking westbound at Federal and W. 64th Ave. A vehicle that was westbound on W. 64th began to turn left (southbound) onto Federal when it struck the pedestrian. The vehicle then hit a traffic sign and left the scene, southbound on Federal Blvd.

The 61 year old pedestrian was transported to Denver health via ambulance with serious injuries.

Pieces and paint of the run vehicle left behind on scene are consistent with a red 2005-2010 Dodge Dakota pickup truck. Nearby security footage showed a matching vehicle southbound on Federal minutes after the crash. The truck should have damage to the front right and missing its passenger side mirror.

Anyone with information of the incident or with information about the suspect vehicle is encouraged to contact investigators at: 303-239-4501, reference case number: 1D201402.

Security footage pictures are of the suspect vehicle; a stock picture not of the suspect vehicle but for reference are below.

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May 18, 2020

Gov. Polis, Colorado Communities Come Together in Day of Remembrance for Coloradans Lost to COVID-19

DENVER – Gov. Jared Polis, individuals, and communities across Colorado are coming together this Friday evening at 7 PM MT to honor and remember the more than 1,000 Coloradans that we have lost to COVID-19. Friday, May 15 is also Peace Officers Memorial Day, which the state will commemorate by lowering flags to half staff and we encourage Coloradans across our state to commemorate as well.

“This global pandemic has cost 300,000 lives across the world and over 1,000 in Colorado alone. Too many Coloradans have lost family members and friends to this deadly virus, and we honor and celebrate their lives especially because many victims couldn’t have proper in-person funerals, remembrances, and wakes,” said Governor Jared Polis. “This is a challenging moment for many of our friends and neighbors and to those Coloradans who are struggling: you are not alone and we are all in this together. We still have work to do to stop the spread of this virus and can defeat this virus by staying home as much as possible, wearing facial masks when in public, and washing our hands regularly. Together we can avoid burying and remembering more Coloradans far too early.”

Coloradans can participate by wearing a protective face covering or masks for a minute of silence to display their effort to do their part to save lives at 7:00 p.m. They can also post on social media to raise awareness about the remembrance event.

To recognize the Day of Remembrance, the State Capitol, along with cities, counties and other organizations, will be turning their lights red at 7:00 p.m. to honor those who have passed. The state is encouraging buildings and businesses across the state to turn their lights red at 7:00 p.m. and for police and fire departments to turn their lights on at 7:00 p.m. for one minute. Additionally, cities may consider creating a Proclamation to commemorate this event.

At the time of this release, the following cities, counties have confirmed that they will participate:

City and County of Broomfield	City of Lone Tree	Town of Kersey
City and County of Denver	City of Louisville	Town of Lyons
City of Alamosa	City of Loveland	Town of Mancos
City of Arvada	City of Manitou Springs	Town of Monument
City of Aurora	City of Northglenn	Town of Morrison
City of Boulder	City of Pueblo	Town of Mountain Village
City of Burlington	City of Sheridan	Town of Mt. Crested Butte
City of Castle Pines	City of Thornton	Town of Nederland
City of Centennial	City of Victor	Town of Oak Creek
City of Colorado Springs	City of Westminster	Town of Pagosa Springs
City of Commerce City	City of Wheat Ridge	Town of Palisade
City of Craig	City of Woodland Park	Town of Paonia
City of Dacono	City of Yuma	Town of Parachute
City of Durango	Commerce City	Town of Parker
City of Edgewater	Town of Avon	Town of Rangely
City of Englewood	Town of Bennett	Town of Red Cliff
City of Federal Heights	Town of Blue River	Town of Severance
City of Fort Collins	Town of Breckenridge	Town of Silverthorne
City of Fort Morgan	Town of Carbondale	Town of Silverton
City of Fountain	Town of Crested Butte	Town of Telluride
City of Fruita	Town of Dillon	Town of Vail
City of Glendale	Town of Dolores	Adams County
City of Glenwood Springs	Town of Elizabeth	Boulder County
City of Grand Junction	Town of Estes Park	Douglas County
City of Greeley	Town of Frederick	Elbert County
City of Greenwood Village	Town of Frisco	Lake County
City of Gunnison	Town of Garden City	Las Animas County
City of La Junta	Town of Granby	Park County
City of Lafayette	Town of Grand Lake	Pueblo County
City of Lakewood	Town of Green Mountain Falls	Summit County
City of Lamar	Town of Gypsum
City of Littleton	Town of Keenesburg

The following sports organizations have confirmed that they will participate:

Kroenke Sports & Entertainment

at the Pepsi Center

Empower Field

at Mile High

Colorado Rockies

at Coors Field

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May 15, 2020